Binoculars

[gorb]

I have a pair of Canon 10x50 image stabililised binoculars. I find them fantastic and well worth the money - great optics and the IS really works. But don't pay the normal price which is around £350. I got mine on the internet from Ace Cameras of Bristol. Have a look here - price currently £219.
http://www.acecameras.co.uk/asp/web/ph/cat/prodtype/1288/prodtype.asp


Gorb

 

[jimboaw]

thanks for the input folks, Fujinon got my money for value/features. SWMBO tried them at a West Marine store and as she does most of the spying on the neiighbours I have to go with the flow. Bought online for $175+ shipping

 

[Ships_Cat]

hmmmm. I wonder what it was I was looking at then last time I was in the works?

You were probably looking at the Thales binoculars. B&S were aquired by Pilkington back in 1977. Pilkington Optronics was more recently aquired by the French company Thomson-CSF who more recently reinvented itself as Thales (in association with other aquisitions).

Thales make binoculars but as far as I know the B&S name is long gone, but I stand to be corrected on that (by someone who actually knows /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif) as my dealings with Thomson-CSF/Thales have been in other areas of their business.

For new commercial boats I normally specify whatever is the current Nikon 7x50, nitrogen filled but state approved equals or better binoculars accepted. The yards usually come up with an alternative as there is a wide range of perfectly ok bino's out there, all much of a muchness unless you spend all day looking through them /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif some of which have been mentioned. I use, on my own boat, Minolta 7x50's.

John

 

[milltech]

Re: Using the compass

All compass binoculars require a "knack" and it can take a bit of practice. Steiners have the largest compass of any "Compass Binocular" which helps make the reading steady and the bigger numbers are easier to read.

Try holding the binocular eyecups against your head at the top and slightly away from the head at the bottom, I find that works immediately with Steiner, but I guess we've all got different faces, and mine being ugly doesn't help.

Also remember, Steiner invented the Compass Binocular and there were no others in the market for many years, probably a patent thing. There has been some talk about what the army use, but I special forces generally choose Steiner.

In the end, the best binocular is the one that makes you happy, either because of the optical quality or because you got a bargain.

Finally, have a look at the "Steiner Commander Jubilee Edition", I have checked with the factory personally, and it is EXACTLY the Commander V specification but much cheaper. I believe it celebrates 25 years of compass bino making, but it's probably a way to stuff some extra turnover into the financial year. Whatever the reason it's a hell of a deal for the Steiner lover while it lasts. Some silly [--word removed--] at Bristol Camera Exchange chopped the price and I followed which makes it even better value!

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
You were probably looking at the Thales binoculars.

[/ QUOTE ]Actually I was looking at laser range finders and laser tracking equipment amongst others things and was given a tour of other sections of the works including the periscope test facility - mind blowing stuff - I can now appreciate how "they" can read a car registration plate from a satellite.
FWIW The works are still known as B&S in some circles - usually geriatric circles who can't be bothered with new names. It is difficult at times to determine who actually owns a company with the present rate of takeovers, mergers and a plethora of "holding companies" in the picture.
----------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

 

[graham]

If you want to go down market Ive had good service from a pair of "Compass"binoculars from the Compass catalogue for about 3 or4 years. Cost about £100 .

As binoculars they are very good ,each lens is adjusted individually.I find them OK as a specs wearer.

The built in Compass is accurate and well lit but difficult to use in rough conditions.I then get better results with an Iris hand bearing compass.

 

[Ships_Cat]

I can now appreciate how "they" can read a car registration plate from a satellite

And one does not know who is watching if one has a naughty frolic in the hay /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

John